Prevalence and risk factors for menstrual disorders among systemic lupus rythematosus patients
Introduction: This study aims to determine the prevalence and the types of menstrual disorders among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify factors that influence their development. Methods: 61 patients with SLE were enrolled into a cross-sectional, observational stud...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Singapore Medical Association
2008
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| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/17142/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/17142/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/17142/1/Prevalence_and_Risk_Factors_for_Menstrual.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: This study aims to determine the
prevalence and the types of menstrual disorders
among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE) and to identify factors that influence their
development.
Methods: 61 patients with SLE were enrolled
into a cross-sectional, observational study at the
medical outpatient clinic, Hospital Universiti
Sains Malaysia. A total of 120 healthy women were
selected randomly to act as the control group. A
questionnaire was administered, vital signs were
recorded, and blood was evaluated for routine
investigations. A review of past medical records
was also undertaken.
Results: The mean age and standard deviation
for the study group was 33.23 +/- 10.96 years,
the majority being ethnic Malays. 75 percent
had a severe SLE disease activity index score
on initial presentation, and 59 percent were
on cyclophosphamide. 49 percent of the study
population had menstrual irregularities, of
which 60 percent had sustained amenorrhoea.
Nine patients with sustained amenorrhoea had
hormonal assays, which confirmed the diagnosis
of premature menopause.
Conclusion: This study showed that SLE patients
had a higher risk of developing menstrual
irregularities compared to the normal/healthy
population. The risk was higher in the older age
group (greater than 30 years old) and those on
cyclophosphamide therapy, especially those with
a cumulative dose of more than 10 g. Sustained
amenorrhoea was the commonest irregularity
and a majority of them had confirmed premature
menopause. |
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